Packers QB Aaron Rodgers' stats in first game post-injury and vs. Carolina are impressive

Aaron Nagler speaks with Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about the return of Aaron Rodgers and what kind of offensive approach the Packers may take this Sunday.
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a 2-2 record vs. Carolina in his career, but he has put up some impressive numbers.(Photo: Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

With a 7-6 record, the Packers need to win their final three games at Carolina, vs. Minnesota and at Detroit to have any shot at a playoff berth.

Before the right collarbone injury that Rodgers suffered vs. the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 15, he had 1,385 passing yards, 13 touchdown passes, three interceptions and a 103.2 quarterback rating in six games.

But if he plays against Carolina (9-4) on Sunday, can he put up those kind of impressive numbers?

If the past is any indication, Rodgers should be able to perform after a significant surgery.

In 2013, Rodgers missed seven games when he broke his left collarbone, and the Packers limped to a 2-4-1 record in his absence. He did not have surgery and returned for the regular-season finale at Chicago, a game the Packers had to win to make the playoffs.

Rodgers delivered, tossing the game-winning, fourth-down touchdown pass to receiver Randall Cobb in the final minute to win the game, 33-28, and NFC North at 8-7-1.

The winning drive covered 86 yards on 15 plays, and Rodgers was 5-of-8 passing on the drive, which saw the Packers convert three fourth-down attempts.

Rodgers finished 25 of 39 for 318 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Despite having only a 2-2 record vs. Carolina in his career, Rodgers has put up robust numbers vs. the Panthers.

He has completed 92 of 145 passes (63.5%) for 1,230 yards and 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions for a 112.1 rating.

With news of Rodgers' return, Las Vegas has taken notice. The Packers went from 40-1 to 20-1 to win the Super Bowl and 20-1 to 10-1 to win the NFC. Green Bay is now 3-point underdogs against Carolina in Week 15. If Brett Hundley was starting, the spread would have been 9.5-point underdogs.